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Catholic Medical Center Breaks Ground On Nashua's First Freestanding Emergency Room

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 8:06 GMT by Patch
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Catholic Medical Center Breaks Ground on Nashua’s First Freestanding Emergency Department

On a sunny morning in early June, the city of Nashua, New Hampshire, witnessed a pivotal moment in the community’s healthcare landscape as the Catholic Medical Center (CMC) broke ground for its inaugural freestanding emergency department (ED). The ceremony, attended by local officials, hospital executives, and community members, marked the beginning of a $12.5 million project that will provide faster, more accessible emergency care for Nashua residents while freeing up space within the main hospital for inpatient services.

A Strategic Response to Growing Demand

Nashua’s population of roughly 90,000 has seen steady growth over the past decade, yet its single acute care facility has struggled to keep pace with increasing emergency department visits. According to the latest data from the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Nashua’s ED handled more than 32,000 visits in 2023, a 9% rise from the previous year. Patients often wait over an hour for triage, and the hospital’s limited bed capacity has led to referrals to facilities outside the city. The new freestanding ED will address these bottlenecks by offering a dedicated space for urgent care, while high‑acuity patients can be quickly transported to CMC’s main campus or other hospitals for advanced treatment.

Design and Services

The freestanding ED will occupy a 35,000‑square‑foot complex on the southeast corner of 6th Street and Oak Avenue, a location chosen for its proximity to major highways and ample parking. The building will feature three separate triage bays, an observation area with 12 beds, a dedicated imaging suite, and a fast‑track clinic for minor injuries and illnesses. Patients who require surgery or intensive care will be seamlessly transferred to CMC’s main hospital via a state‑of‑the‑art ambulance system and a newly installed rapid transport corridor.

“We’re not just building a new clinic; we’re creating an environment that streamlines patient flow, reduces wait times, and ensures that every Nashua resident can receive the care they need promptly,” said Dr. Linda Park, Chief of Emergency Medicine at CMC. “This project reflects our commitment to community health and our vision of a modern, patient‑centered system.”

Funding and Timeline

The $12.5 million cost of the freestanding ED is a joint effort between CMC and the state of New Hampshire. The hospital’s capital improvement plan earmarked $8.2 million, while the state allocated $4.3 million through the Health Care Infrastructure Grant. CMC also secured a $1.1 million federal grant under the CARES Act to support infrastructure upgrades in underserved areas. The project is slated for completion in early 2025, with a soft opening scheduled for late spring and a grand opening planned for August.

The groundbreaking ceremony itself was a collaborative effort, featuring a time‑capsule ceremony where local residents placed letters for future patients, symbolizing the long‑term community impact of the new facility. Mayor Anthony McCallin delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the importance of accessible emergency care for the city’s aging population and its growing immigrant community.

Community Engagement and Feedback

In the weeks leading up to the groundbreaking, CMC conducted a series of town‑hall meetings and focus groups to gauge community concerns and preferences. Residents expressed appreciation for the additional capacity, particularly in the context of the COVID‑19 pandemic, which highlighted the need for flexible emergency services. Some residents raised questions about parking and traffic flow, prompting CMC to collaborate with the city’s planning department to design an expanded parking lot and a dedicated bus drop‑off area.

“Listening to the community has been vital,” said CMC Executive Director Maria Hernandez. “We’re not just adding a building; we’re building trust and partnership with Nashua.”

Beyond Emergency Care

While the primary focus is on urgent and emergent medical needs, the freestanding ED will also serve as a hub for public health initiatives. Plans include a health‑education wing for chronic disease management workshops, a telehealth corner staffed by nurse practitioners, and a dedicated space for immunization campaigns. The facility’s design incorporates sustainable building practices, featuring solar panels, green roofs, and energy‑efficient HVAC systems, aligning with CMC’s long‑term goal of reducing its carbon footprint.

Looking Ahead

The freestanding ED represents a significant step forward for Nashua’s healthcare system. By offering rapid, high‑quality care for acute conditions, the new facility will alleviate strain on the main hospital, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the city’s overall resilience to public health challenges. As construction progresses, CMC will continue to engage with residents, provide updates on project milestones, and maintain an open dialogue with local stakeholders.

For more information about the project, including detailed architectural renderings and the construction timeline, visit the Catholic Medical Center’s official website at https://www.catholicmedicalcenter.org/freestanding-ED.

The community’s eyes will be on the site as the foundation is poured and the walls rise, signaling a future where Nashua’s residents have faster, more reliable access to emergency care, all under the watchful partnership of Catholic Medical Center and the city’s dedicated leaders.